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An elderly lady in Cardiff gave these beans to our donor, Anita Bourne's step-daughter, who is a district nurse. Anita comments “A delightful bean! Pretty lilac flowers are followed by dramatically coloured pods, green splashed with navy blue.”

“Delicious when young, but remain tender for a good length of time.” says Seed Guardian Matthew Goodyear. Seed Guardians appear to experience very few pest and disease problems with this variety.

Donated by Michael Stanley from Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, who had been growing it on his farm since the 1950s. A Mr Robinson originally gave him the seed also from Leicestershire, who had acquired them in Scotland.

A favourite amongst exhibitors for its long, slim, slightly curved pods with pointed tips. Extraordinarily sweet, they retain their flavour when a little over-mature or when frozen. HSL Member Mrs Harrington states “in my opinion this is the star of the Heritage Collection.”

Mangel Worzels have a history in England of being used for sport (mangold hurling) and for celebration (mangold lanterns at Punkie Night in Somerset.) This variety is a French heirloom from the 1800s.

The yellow/orange-skinned roots have a sweet white flesh and the leaves make an excellent chard-like steamed green. Seed Guardian Anne Wheldon gives them her “special commendation, but they could do with a more inspiring name!”

Martin Crees donated this variety to HSL in 1980 after sending for seeds from John Woolf, Devon in 1979. Suttons had also supplied it commercially.

Seed Guardian Eluned Paramor says, “Remains No 1 tomato for flavour! juicy, sharp and sweet at the same time. Take out the seeds and stuff it with cream cheese.” The medium-sized fruit are both attractive and delicious. Can be grown indoors, but produces better yields outside.